Blackhawk Aerospace has successfully completed baseline flight testing for its TBM 700 series STC programme with the first flight of a TBM 700 equipped with the higher-horsepower Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D engine.

On 20 September the testbed aircraft, TBM N590JL (S/N 306), completed its inaugural flight with the newly installed, higher-horsepower engine. The equivalent shaft horsepower increases from 1,583 on the stock engine to 1,825 on the PT6A-66D, which is the genesis of the performance improvement. The upgraded TBM's first flight followed initial engine runs on 13 September, which verified key objectives such as leak checks and engine rigging.

The PT6A-66D engine delivers up to 850shp for climb and cruise, significantly enhancing the TBM 700’s capabilities by equipping the aircraft with the ‘850-mode’ condition. In the first flight, the aircraft achieved higher speeds and altitudes than previous models, validating the engine’s improved performance using the existing certified components. Ongoing test flights, in collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada, Hartzell Propeller and MT Propeller, will further refine performance metrics.

“This first-flight milestone represents a key advancement in our STC programme, bringing increased power, performance and sustainability to TBM 700 owners,” says Blackhawk president Edwin Black. “The PT6A-66D engine will redefine the aircraft's capabilities and offer substantial benefits to operators.”

To finalise the STC, the programme will proceed with detailed performance testing, including specific inlet and propeller evaluations. Blackhawk anticipates receiving the FAA-approved STC in Q2 of 2025. The company has received multiple deposits securing delivery positions and continues to accept deposits for 2025 and 2026 deliveries.